An overview of the applicability of acupuncture in treating both male and female infertility. Discussed studies of acupuncture in the treatment of male and female infertility. Includes annotated bibliography.
Abstract This paper discusses the use of acupuncture in the treatment of male and female infertility. The paper begins by examining clinical research studies and empirical research projects on the efficacy of various acupuncture techniques. The paper then provides protocols with respect to improving fertility rates. The paper includes an annotated bibliography.
Abstract This paper examines the effects of acupuncture on specific symptoms of menopause. The author points out that, as one of the prevalent non-pharmaceutical methods of managing pain, stress and other physiological problems, acupuncture has proven itself to be useful in reducing the symptoms of menopause. The paper concludes that acupuncture is positively indicated for treatment of menopause symptoms.
From the Paper "Acupuncture eases symptoms of menopause. As one of the prevalent non-pharmaceutical methods of managing pain, stress, and other physiological problems, acupuncture has proven itself to be useful in reducing the symptoms of menopause. Acupuncture has been part of Eastern medicine for millennia, but it only relatively recently made an appearance in North America, about thirty years ago. Since then, acupuncture has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on many physical ailments and, in several studies both scientific and anecdotal, it has been shown to trigger an endorphin release that provides an entirely safe, medicine-free method of achieving pain relief. It is the purpose of this story to demonstrate the significance and efficacy of acupuncture as it applies to the treatment of the symptoms of menopause."
Abstract The paper defines the incidence of depression and notes that it affects all persons, irrespective of race, background or gender. The paper discusses conventional medical methods of treatment and then extrapolates with sources in detail, case studies of the methods and successes achieved through acupuncture.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Discussion
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Mr. K first showed signs and symptoms of a major depression mood disorder in March 2003. He functioned poorly at home and at work for approximately two months. He lost interest in the usual things he did and withdrew socially. He could not make decisions as easily as before. He had trouble sleeping and getting out of bed. He lost zest. He lacked concentration and motivation. He suffered from poor memory, poor appetite and non-specific physical symptoms.. He also blamed himself for his low spirits. He was anxious, sad and irritable. Up to March 2005, all his treatments failed. His resistant depression was disabling. He continued to consult with Dr. Browne although he was not interested to pursue further medical treatment. At this point, Mohit Khosla suggested that he try acupuncture. The patient tried it and he said he had begun to feel better. He said he noticed significant improvement in his health. The dosage of his medication was reduced. He began to eat better, began socializing again, and his mood lifted. His motivation has, however, remained at a low level and he experiences some neuro-negative symptoms. "
Abstract This paper begins by describing acupuncture and its history. It also documents growing scientific research evidence of the value of acupuncture in treating pain and nausea, addictions, arthritis and asthma. Acupuncture is thought to add value in dozens of other ways and many additional areas of studies are under way. Increasingly, East and West are meeting for an integrative approach to medicine that includes acupuncture.
Contents:
Introduction
Acupuncture Defined
History of Acupuncture Pain and Nausea
Addictions
Arthritis
Asthma
Conclusion
From the Paper "Acupuncture involves the natural balance concept of Chinese medicine. From the idea of balance, arises the theory that life takes place in alternating rhythm of yin and yang. Yang represents light and activity and yin denotes darkness and rest. The correct relationship of yin and yang is health; a disturbance in their relationship is disease. The body achieves a healthy circulation of life force qi when a proper balance of yin and yang exits. Qi is believed to travel the body along fourteen channels called meridians. If the flow of qi becomes insufficient, unbalanced, or interrupted, yin and yang become unbalanced and illness occurs."
Abstract This paper discusses acupuncture, an ancient practice of the east with a long history, which has been incorporated into modern western use. The paper contends that acupuncture has been met with mixed reviews by the public and scientific communities. The paper presents arguments for and against the practice of acupuncture today.
Outline
The History of Acupuncture Eastern Medicine Meets the Modern West
Acupuncture in Use Today
Arguments Against Acupuncture Scientific Proof
Conclusion
From the Paper "Although there is a great deal of controversy surrounding alternative forms of healing today, many forms of natural or complimentary medical treatments seem to be more popular today than any time in recent centuries. There has been particular influence from the East invading the American medical system and changing the assumptions of many patients about where treatment and relief can be found. Chinese herbs and philosophy alike have become standard sale items at specialty shops, malls, and drug stores, and they have been used to lure in feeble minded consumers for the sake of a dollar, as well as providing real hope and sincere assistance to faithful users. Among the products and services developed from Eastern healing beliefs now available regularly in America is acupuncture."
Abstract This paper discusses the curative properties of acupuncture. The paper begins by explaining the meridians on the human body and the acupuncture points found on the body. It then describes the theory behind acupuncture. The paper discusses that although preclinical studies have documented the medical effects of acupuncture, they have not been able to explain the method by which acupuncture exerts its effects, at least according to modern Western theories of science and medicine.
From the Paper "Acupuncture treatment commenced in China over 2,000 years ago, but only in 1971 was this treatment introduced to Western society. Western practice of acupuncture alludes to a host of procedures which include stimulation of anatomical points on the body via a variety of techniques. Such techniques include stimulation by heated herbs (moxibustion), mild electrical current (electroacupuncture), magnets, manual pressure (acupressure) and low frequency lasers, all of which were adopted from Chinese, Japanese and Korean practices. According to traditional Chinese medicine the body is viewed as a balance of the yin and yang, two opposing yet inseparable forces. Yin embodies the cold, slow and passive principle while yang embodies the hot and active principle. Disease in the body manifests itself when these two forces become imbalanced, thus blocking the flow of qi (vital energy) along "meridians.""
Abstract This paper examines the practice of acupuncture. It analyzes the history of the practice, dating it back to 1000 B.C.E. and follows its development up until today. The paper then discusses who the target group is for acupuncture and discusses some of the evidence supporting its success in treatment. The paper ends with recommendations for people suffering from pain, as well as certain disorders of the nervous system, who have not found relief from traditional medicine.
Table of Contents:
Historical Background
Target Group and Provider of Acupuncture Acknowledgement of Research Activities
Acupuncture and the Audience
The Best Source
Financial Aspects of Acupuncture Recommendations
From the Paper "Despite all of this information, acupuncture is still considered as a "pseudo-science" by many contemporary Western doctors and physicians, yet many people who have undergone acupuncture treatment have reported remarkable recoveries. For the general audience, being those who receive acupuncture, current information supports the idea that acupuncture "relieves many types of chronic pain, the nausea associated with chemotherapy, and alters the functions of the immune system for the better" ("Acupuncture Illustrated," 1994, 56). As to the nursing profession, since acupuncture is not considered as a viable means of treatment by many doctors, most nurses would probably be very reluctant to attempt acupuncture on a patient, yet according to I.L Bonta, many nurses, out of curiosity and the encouragement of their friends and relatives who have undergone acupuncture, "tend to be far more open than the medical authorities when it comes to taking a course in acupuncture from a certified acupuncturist" (2002, 223). Thus, nurses could most probably assist their patients much better if they were to take to heart the information available on acupuncture and use it to their patient's advantage."
Abstract This paper examines the practice of acupuncture. It analyzes the history of the practice, dating it back to 1000 B.C.E. and follows its development up until today. The paper then explores the target group for acupuncture and discusses some of the evidence supporting its success in treatment. The paper ends with recommendations for people suffering from pain, as well as certain disorders of the nervous system, who have not found relief from traditional medicine.
Table of Contents:
Historical Background
Target Group and Provider of Acupuncture Acknowledgement of Research Activities
Acupuncture and the Audience
The Best Source
Financial Aspects of Acupuncture Recommendations
From the Paper "Despite all of this information, acupuncture is still considered as a "pseudo-science" by many contemporary Western doctors and physicians, yet many people who have undergone acupuncture treatment have reported remarkable recoveries. For the general audience, being those who receive acupuncture, current information supports the idea that acupuncture "relieves many types of chronic pain, the nausea associated with chemotherapy, and alters the functions of the immune system for the better" ("Acupuncture Illustrated," 1994, 56). As to the nursing profession, since acupuncture is not considered as a viable means of treatment by many doctors, most nurses would probably be very reluctant to attempt acupuncture on a patient, yet according to I.L Bonta, many nurses, out of curiosity and the encouragement of their friends and relatives who have undergone acupuncture, "tend to be far more open than the medical authorities when it comes to taking a course in acupuncture from a certified acupuncturist" (2002, 223). Thus, nurses could most probably assist their patients much better if they were to take to heart the information available on acupuncture and use it to their patient's advantage."
Tags: scientific, traditional, Chinese, Western, medicine
Abstract This paper provides a critical review of the literature, a series of case studies and illustrative vignettes to provide a history of acupuncture. It discusses its typical applications and methods and how the techniques developed by Master Tung have been refined and improved by his followers over the years. The paper provides a summary of the research, salient findings and recommendations.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Preliminary Review of Related Literature
A Brief History of Acupuncture Master Tung's Acupuncture Modern Applications of Acupuncture Constraints to Acupuncture
From the Paper "While the application of acupuncture techniques has proven efficacious for a wide range of conditions, including chronic back pain, there are some constraints involved in its use with some people who appear to be genetically incapable of benefiting from the practice. For example, scientists have determined that certain strains of mice do not appear to respond to the pain management potential of acupuncture because they lack the necessary genetic opiate receptors. In this regard, Cargill (1994) reports that, "Some people who do not respond to needling--a 10 percent minority--may fail to do so because they, too, genetically lack these requisite neural receptors" (p. 41). Other people, particularly in the West, may simply believe that such complementary and alternative medical approaches will not work for them, thereby creating a self-fulfilling prophecy as to the efficacy of the approach. Despite these constraints, though, it appears that the benefits of properly administered acupuncture techniques far outweigh any potential constraints, and this forms the essence of the purpose of the proposed instant study."
Tags: chronic pain, therapy anatomy, alternative medicine
Abstract Summary: This paper is on Chinese acupuncture. Chinese medicine in general and acupuncture in particular are based on assumptions not found in western medicine. In the West, medicine considers cause and effect, as with a virus leading to disease. Chinese acupuncture is based on forces of yin and yang.
Abstract This paper looks at the history of acupuncture, how it relates to post-stroke patients, the emerging acceptance of acupuncture in the medical world, and what its significance is for the nursing field.
From the Paper "In the United States, the main reason acupuncture is performed is for pain relief, however it is also used for ?rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, muscle and nerve "difficulties", depression, smoking, eating disorders, drug "behavior problems", migraine, acne, cancer and constipation (Boozang, 1998).? It is believed that acupuncture can lessen the addictions, as well as ?manage disorders of the digestive, respiratory and vascular systems (Levin, 2003).?"
Abstract The paper defines pain, illness and the process of sensitization. The paper discusses the use of acupuncture in treating chronic pain conditions. The paper relates how unlike conventional treatments using synthesized oral pills, tablets or syrups, acupuncture enlists the natural body forces and processes to produce the relief or control of pain. The paper points out acupuncture's effectiveness, virtual lack of side effects and its safety and so argues for its recognition as a legitimate pain control treatment mode.
Outline:
Introduction
Review of Method
Conclusion
From the Paper "Pain has been described as a jabbing, throbbing, burning or stinging sensation (Mayo Clinic Staff 2007). The uncomfortable experience is partly physical and partly influenced by psychological and cultural factors. Questions have remained as to what exactly happens when a part of the body or mind is affected and the time the person feels pain. Pain proceeds from a series of exchanges within the three major components of the nervous system, such as the peripheral nerves, the spinal cord and the brain. The peripheral nerves sense touch, pressure, vibration, cold and warmth."
Abstract The paper explains the practice of acupuncture and its methods. The paper then discusses how acupuncture comes from a very different medical and philosophical background than Western medicine. The paper reveals that while there is still a general resistance to the deeper implications and worldview that acupuncture represents, it is having an increasing impact on Western forms of medicine and healing praxis.
From the Paper "Acupuncture has become one of the most widely known alternative healing therapies practiced today. Briefly this technique works through regulating and balancing the life force of energy fields that flows through the body by the insertion of fine needles at selected points. The theory is that the insertion of these needles in specific points or areas of the body affects and influences the Chi or the "life-force" that flows through the body through energetic channels or meridians. These meridians link the various organs of the body. There are twelve major meridians. The needles stimulate the flow of chi, rebalancing the flow of energy in the body, relieving pain and restoring health. "
Tags: needles, Chi, energy, fields, meridians, allopathic, conventional, medicine
Abstract This paper describes acupuncture, discusses it from 2 viewpoints, and makes the case presented by many critics of biomedicine, especially Michel Foucault. As a social phenomenon, acupuncture is known to work; the problem is that it poses a real threat to biomedicine.
Abstract Practiced for over 2,500 years in China, where it originated, acupuncture is an important part of the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine. This paper explains that at first, acupuncture caused quite a stir among culturally-biased skeptics in the Western medical community, but over time it has come to be recognized as a legitimate medical technique that should be integrated into standard medical practice for a number of conditions.
From the Paper "According to traditional Chinese Medicine, health is achieved through the harmonious balance between the opposing forces of yin (spirit) and yang (blood) (Acupuncture, Medicomm). The attraction between them creates an energy known as qi (pronounced chee) and health is dependent on its proper flow. Imbalances in this natural flow of energy are thought to result in disease. Acupuncture aims to restore health by improving the flow of qi which is thought to flow through the body via fourteen primary meridians or channels. To strengthen the flow of qi, or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at specific points along the channels called acupoints. Thousands of acupoints along the meridians are associated with specific internal organs or organ systems."
